I am a woman and I live in the US. I am his personal administrative assistant. When he informed me that my job was to do the office dishes left int he sink, clean the office toilets if someone made a mess, clean the refrigerator of someone else's rotten food and wash the dishes where this food was left, I told him that everyone should be responsible for their own dishes, etc. It was a short conversation and I've not said anything since and I've done the dishes.

Lest you think I am a doormat, I am not, but I have been afraid of this individual for some time. Until recently, it was never in my nature to allow someone treat me this way. He is fully aware of my fear and the power he holds over me, as far as my career goes. Some people, both men and women, become "heady" with this kind of power. I am also single and he knew there was no one for me to turn to if I quit my job.